Documenting the Springtime

The Forest in Spring
Odenton, MD
April 6, 2023

 I took an image of trees yesterday. It was of the same group of trees that I imaged upon arriving in Maryland on April 6th. 

Yesterday's image clearly shows the progression of Spring in 12 days. I was amazed when I compared the two images. The trees filled out during the interval between the images. Of course, I didn't remember which orientation I took the original image in and so one is vertical and the other is horizontal. 

As the Spring Progresses
Odenton, MD
April 18, 2023

I was there to experience Springtime 2023. Now I am back in Florida and enjoying summertime. 

While it is very good to be back in Florida, I missed riding my bike and sitting under the palms, I also miss the Spring as the season deepens. 

While Chris and I were in Maryland we enjoyed six junior varsity baseball games, dinners with our family, Happy Hour with friends, and just being around hanging out. 

We will return next month and we are planning a full schedule to include visits to Maryland and Virginia wineries and the good news is that we will have a vehicle to transport the wine back to our residence in Florida.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Pollen and Baseball

Pollen on the Pond
Odenton, MD
April 14, 2023

 I was shocked yesterday as I looked at the pond near Nicole's home and noticed the thick layer of pollen floating on the water. It is no wonder my allergies are running rampant. The incredible amount of pollen in the air is a good reason to stay inside, but the problem is that the weather has been so idyllic that I want to be outside. Thankfully, Claritin keeps my allergies in check so that I can be outside. 

Jackson gets a Hit
Glen Burnie, MD
April 14, 2023

I was outside in the pollen attending the Arundel Junior Varsity Baseball Team's game in Glen Burnie last evening. It was the third game of the week, but fortunately the weather has made attending the games very pleasant. 

Last evening's game was a rout, sadly, as Arundel pounded the undermanned Glen Burnie team, 25-1. I felt very bad for the Glen Burnie team as they were clearly outmatched. Even though the game ended after 5 innings due to the mercy rule, it still took well over 2 hours to complete. I was impressed with the Arundel coaches who recognized during the 5th inning with the game in hand that Glen Burnie was out of pitchers. With the bases loaded, as they had been for most of the top of the 5th inning, and a 24-run lead they allowed Glen Burnie to get an easy third out to end the inning and the bleeding. I actually heard the Glen Burnie manager yell "Thank you" after the play. Long before that, during the inning, Arundel had stopped aggressively running the bases to keep from running up the score. Glen Burnie was retired quickly in the bottom of the inning to end the game. It was demoralizing for the Glen Burnie players who only had 11 players compared to Arundel's 19. Not a deep bench.

The entire Maryland family, along with a family from Ithaca attended the game and were treated to Jax getting a hit and playing in the field. I am getting a bit better with my camera and recorded the hit. It was good that everyone made it to the game. Since we have moved to Florida, we have had fewer opportunities to gather together to celebrate. 

After the game many of us gathered at Nicole's and enjoyed pizza while watching, of course, the Orioles once again come from behind in the late innings to win a baseball game. The Orioles are tied for third place in the AL East with the Yankees. The are also tied for 5th place in the American League with the Yankees and the Guardians.

And what is on tap for today? 

Baseball! Outdoors! Pollen! And Happy Hour with friends.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Colors of Spring

Mini Daffodils by the Walk
Odenton, MD
April 7, 2023

 

Bluebird at the Feeder
Odenton. MD
April 7, 2023

I have been enjoying the colors of Spring. The redbud trees are in bloom along the roadways and blossoms cover many of the trees. The forsythia are a ball of yellow on the landscape. The daffodils are everywhere, although their time is almost past as the tulips are arriving more and more daily. 

There are also many animals about. I have seen deer still in their darker winter coats, birds of many varieties, squirrels by the dozens, and I have heard the peepers at night singing the song of Spring.

It is fun to see the world wake from the dark days and burst into the light. 

Here is hoping you have a blessed and happy Easter.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Springtime

Young Leaves Off the Back Deck
Odenton, MD
April 6, 2023

Sitting at the high school JV baseball team doubleheader yesterday it became clear that Chris and I had been transported from eternal summer into the middle of springtime. 

I became aware of the springtime explosion almost as soon as we got off the plane, but as the day went on I became more sensitive to the light-green new leaves and the bright flowers dotting the landscape everywhere.

Probable Apple Blossoms
Crofton, MD
April 6, 2023

We had noticed new leaves sprouting on the trees in Florida, but so many trees there do not lose their leaves that the new growth tends to blend into the old. Not so here in Maryland where the entire scene is composed of new leaves struggling to grow and mature.

Sitting at the games yesterday, we were under a blooming apple tree. I took this image looking straight up from the chair in which I was sitting behind the screen at home plate. 

Last evening I stood on the deck at Nicole's home and looked at the expanse of new leaves on the trees against the dark rain clouds. It was a sight to enjoy. Springtime against the backdrop of a storm. We actually experienced a real rainstorm driving after  the game yesterday. South Florida is in severe drought conditions and the area is seven inches (or more) below normal rainfall for the year. We have been enjoying the rain-free weather, but need rain.

It is nice, however, to be in Maryland to enjoy the Spring.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Spring Arriving

 

Japanese Magnolia in Bloom
Weston Lakes, TX
February 9, 2023

It is mid-February and in Texas Spring is arriving. Since we have been here I can see that the leaves are beginning to reappear on many of the trees. There is a definite green hue to the seemingly bare tree branches. 

The Japanese Magnolia Tree in the yard here in Weston Lakes is in bloom. I was able to capture a few images of this early Spring flowering tree. 

Of course, today I return to Florida where Spring is also in full swing, although not quite so noticeable since more trees retain their leaves during the winter and of course the palms are always green.

Enjoy the day.

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Christmas Eve 2022

Icicles on my Truck
December 23, 2022
Odenton, MD

The cold developed everywhere yesterday. The temperature dropped from 43 degrees in the morning to single digits when I went to bed. This morning the reported temperature is 6 degrees!

I took a picture of icicles hanging off my truck yesterday. I had to drive to an appointment during the morning and I experienced a sleet storm and a hail storm along the way. 

Snow Falling in Odenton
Odenton, MD
December 23, 2022

Later during the day it snowed. 

There was thankfully no accumulation, however I did get in my snow-fix for the season. 

I believe the weather for today is supposed to be clear and cold. We are beginning the day with brunch and probably watch some NFL football. The high today is expected to reach 20 degrees. Yay! It is cold in Florida as well. At home, in Tequesta, it is 41 degrees with an expected high of 58 degrees.

And so this is Christmas Eve! I hope that you are where you wanted to be for this holiday season. 

Enjoy the day and Merry Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

First Full Day of Winter

The View Outside
Odenton, MD
December 22, 2022

The first full day of Winter was, fittingly, a bleak and dreary day. 

It rained almost all of the day. Which was much better than other parts of the country where snow and blizzard-like conditions were the recipe for the day.

We were expecting the temperature to drop overnight, but apparently it did not and things are not too bad here on the southern part of the storm. The temperature is supposed to fall during the day bottoming out at about 9 degrees overnight. Ugh! Hopefully the roads will dry before the freeze arrives. 

We will see what the day brings.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! That used to be a thing when I was a kid. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Winter Arrived

Tropic of Capricorn Through Australia

Autumn passed not so quietly into Winter yesterday with the big storm working its way across the nation.

The Sun is dancing along the Tropic of Capricorn providing the southern latitudes with their longest days of sunshine while we in the north work to overcome the darkest days of the year.

Here in Odenton, MD, we are experiencing about 9 hours and 28 minutes between sunrise and sunset. Short time. In Tequesta, FL, the daylight is about an hour longer coming in at 10 hours and 29 minutes. It is amazing what difference a a few hundred miles in latitude can make when considering the length of day. Important note, on the Summer Solstice the length of daylight is longer in Odenton (14h35m) versus Tequesta (13h53m). 

At least, the daylight will start to increase from this point on, although only a few seconds per day for a few days. 

And now, for the massive winter storm!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Frost on the Vehicles

Frost Out the Back Window
Glen Burnie, MD
December 2, 2022

The heavy frost covering the ground and vehicles this morning reminded me that it is December and I am still in Maryland. It is cold this morning not just below freezing, but really below freezing. My watch is showing 27 degrees. 

The sky is clear and that, of course, contributed to the cold. 

We stayed with Patrick and Jen after attending a Bourbon and Beer gathering at their community center last evening. There was an assortment of wines also present and we interacted with community residents. 

Well, it is Friday. The weekend is at hand!

There is another huge soccer match tomorrow at the World Cup and I am hopeful that the USMNT can overcome the Dutch. I am encouraged after Croatia played Belgium to a draw yesterday sending the number 2 ranked team in the world home! Tomorrow's match, however, cannot end in a draw! One team has to win. 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Fire in the Sky

 

Sunset in the East
Odenton, MD
November 30, 2022

Last evening, after a dark and dreary day, we were treated to a classic fire in the sky sunset. 

Looking east was where the real scene was built. The sunset to the west was bright and deep, but the east is where the reflection off the clouds was most exciting. 

It was a visually stimulating way to close out the month of November. 

And with that, December has arrived. The dark month is here and daylight is waning daily towards the Winter Solstice. The temperatures are becoming colder as well. But, there is still beauty to be seen and appreciated. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

More than a Hurricane

Looking out onto the Patio
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2022

 We received more rain yesterday than we did during Hurricane Ian. It was actually pretty incredible. The amount of rain falling during the storm, which lasted for a couple hours, flooded streets and caused widespread flooding in the Jupiter/Tequesta area. 

The reports of flooding were centered in our area. One TV station, WPTV detailed the flooding. At one point we actually saw our street, Village Blvd, on the news--it was flooded. The streets mentioned in the news report are ones we traverse daily. The rain came down hard and not for just a few minutes, but for almost two hours. 

Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths
Tequesta, FL
October 13, 2022

In the end, our area experienced more flooding in a couple hours than we did when Hurricane Ian grazed us two weeks ago. 

We were not the only ones taking refuge from the deluge. I found two Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths together in the entryway. They were dry and sheltered from the rain pelting the earth just a few feet away. They are stunning in their orange color.

We survived the storm and the rain without too many issues. The water began to creep up to the edge of our patio because the gutters could not handle the amount of rain coming off the roof, but it did not actually come onto the patio.

Today should be a nice day and the weekend is expected to be cooler (low 80s for the highs) and less humid. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding out the Storm

 

Palm Across the Street in the Wind
Tequesta, FL
September 28, 2022

What do you do when riding out a hurricane? Well, even being on the periphery of the storm there really isn't much to do. We watched moment-by-moment coverage of Hurricane Ian until it made landfall over southwest Florida. 

I went outside during some of the lesser winds to allow the dogs some relief and videoed a coconut palm tree. I wondered whether I was standing too close if the coconuts decided to break free and plummet to the earth. 

Chris and I did make a short trip to the grocery store, there was no panic buying evident in our area. The store was fully stocked. We then went to a gas station and filled-up so that we have two fully fueled vehicles, although the expectation is that we will not need to evacuate as the storm is already moving away.

Hopefully I will be able to return to my daily bike ride tomorrow when the storm is fully out of the area. It remains too windy this morning. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

From the Sidelines of Hurricane Ian

 

First, an update on my jury duty experience yesterday. I survived and was not selected to serve as a juror on a trial. They released me just before noon and I was able to spend the afternoon at home preparing for the oncoming storm.

On to the storm. Our area of Southeastern Florida is under a Tropical Storm Warning and not expected to experience the full force of the hurricane. We suffered through tornado warnings overnight as the outer bands of the now Category 4 Hurricane Ian passed. Our portion of Florida is where people from the Gulf Coast were directed as an evacuation destination.

It is raining off and on and sometimes very heavy.  We are seeing winds of about 30 mph right now, but are expecting gusts of up to 70 mph as the hurricane makes landfall later today. Chris and I closed the hurricane shutters last night because of the tornado threat and also because we have large trees close to our windows. 

Our area is NOT under an evacuation order and, therefore, we are not evacuating. The truck, 4 wheel-drive, has a full tank of gas with a 500 mile range and is prepared in case we do need to evacuate.

The most difficult part of the storm so far has to do with the dogs. They are not excited about going outside to do their business. On top of that, Makayla has a stomach disturbance which we are treating with Imodium and plain rice for food. Riordin is a bit freaked out and cannot settle. I opened the patio door shutters and he can at least look outside. That seemed to make him happier.

We will ride out the storm. We are fortunate that it is away from us, but we are still getting winds and rain--although not the same as those on the Gulf Coast in the direct path of the storm. The hurricane is expected to pass both west and north of our location.

The TV coverage is similar to that for a major winter storm in Maryland. We are getting moment by moment reports on the storm's progress and well as tornado reporting as warnings are issued. 

We are calm and doing well. Thank you for all of the concerns we have been receiving. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Our of the Cone of Uncertainty

 Tropical Storm, and soon to be hurricane, Ian has been generating a lot of interest here in South Florida as the cone of uncertainty fell squarely overtop of the area. 

As of this morning, actually late last evening, the cone of uncertainty no longer includes Tequesta. As the storm drifts westward and landfall northward, my area of Florida has moved outside of the cone. I am very excited about the prospect of not having to endure a hurricane. Sadly, it appears that northern Florida is going to get slammed with a major hurricane with winds in excess of 110 MPH. 

Thank-you for the concern that many have expressed. And also the good advice. I look at preparing for a hurricane much like preparing for a major blizzard in the northeast. Plan for power outages, inability to move on the highways, and being isolated. The difference in a hurricane is that the winds are incredibly dangerous and the water can become a flood. Our house is equipped with hurricane shutters and we laid-in drinking water and some extra food supplies. Our big failing here is that we are totally electric and are not allowed to have a gas grill, which is what our plan was back in Baltimore to facilitate boiling water and, if necessary, cook. We are not even allowed a charcoal grill because we cannot store starter fluid, but I am going to rethink that for the future. I believe for emergencies we need a reliable heat source. 

Chris and I, and our entire community for that matter, remain wary and continue watching the storm track.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rainouts, Faucets and What's Next?

 

The Final View of the Repair
Elkridge, MD
May 25, 2022

The rain and cold returned. It is 55 degrees this morning as the day begins.

I very much enjoyed the dry 90 degree temperatures of this past weekend and so, my reward apparently is rain and much cooler temperatures. 

The rain has already postponed two baseball games and thrown the schedule askew. And there is rain in the forecast for the next four days.

Despite the rain, however, the plumbers returned to the scene of the faucet debacle. Amazingly, in about 90 minutes the problem was resolved with another new faucet. The copper work actually looks much better than the previous attempt and it works--or rather it does not leak while in use! Yay! Check yesterday's blog to see the before image.

I was happy that there was no additional charge to complete the repair, however, I would have preferred that it had been done correct the first time. I did feel bad for the plumbing team because at times they needed to be outside in the cold rain. 

Now it is on to other repairs. Wait, I already repaired the automatic chlorinator for the pool. Next up; the dryer which is making a bad sounding noise which may just be the blower has become clogged with lint causing it to be unbalanced. Unfortunately, cleaning or replacing the blower requires complete disassembly of the dryer including removing the drum. That is an all morning project.  

Always one more project to accomplish!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Split, the heat, and the cool pool

 

Jax In-between Games
Bowie, MD
May 21, 2022

On a hot Summer-like day it was time for a baseball doubleheader.

The Severn Seminoles 14U baseball team played two solid games in the 90 degree weather and split with the Bowie Bulldogs. Had the Seminole bats warmed up during the first game, it could easily have been won. 

The official high for the region, taken at BWI Airport was 91 degrees yesterday, but the "feels-like" was over 100 degrees due to the humidity. The team survived and played some great baseball because the dugout was covered and the boys were able to stay out of the sun when not on the field. The coaching staff, and parents, also encouraged everyone to drink water at every opportunity. I actually felt bad for the umpire, there was only one yesterday instead of the usual two, he was in the sun constantly for each game and he called consistent and fair games. 

Game 1
Bowie, MD
May 21, 2022

Game 2
Bowie, MD
May 21, 2022

Unlike major league baseball, we get to switch between home and away when playing a doubleheader. The success for the games was really on the shoulders of the pitchers who minimized walks and pitched out of some tough jams, but also on the entire team for hanging together in the heat and playing generally rock-solid baseball. Winning, or losing, is a team effort and everyone contributed yesterday. 

An injury suffered by a Bowie player that took time to resolve was the reason that the second game only went 6 innings (actually 5 1/2) since the home team (Seminoles) was ahead as time expired. Fortunately, indications are that the Bowie player will be OK, but he had to leave the game. Baseball injury time is not added to the time limit, unlike soccer. 

The picture of Jax between games really shows the hard part of playing a doubleheader. His uniform is dirty from sliding back into base, he is hot, and yet he was the starting pitcher for the second game. He posted a solid line: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 14 BF, 49 P - 27 S. I can also write that in English: 3 innings pitched, 2 runs allowed, 0 earned runs charged, 2 walks, 2 strike outs, 14 batters faced, 49 pitches thrown - 27 of those were strikes.

As for the pool--I was hot after the game. I consumed a great amount of cold water during the drive home, which fortunately was not excessive. But, when I got home to the "ready for Summer" pool, I admit to falling into it to fully cool off from the heat. Even though the 70-something degree water was a bit of a shock when I first dove it, it really did the trick and returned both my body temperature and mind-set to the proper temperature. 

Who says a pool needs to be 80 degrees to be enjoyed. Oh wait, that was me! I am corrected.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Doubleheader Saturday

 

Sumner arrived almost exactly a month early yesterday. 

I looked at my watch just after 3 PM yesterday and the reported temperature in Elkridge was 90 degrees! I was outside and loving it! Officially, the actual high was only 89 degrees, but the heat of the day was sufficient to raise the pool water temperature 5 degrees. It is now 70 degrees and should climb even more today. I am seeing projection for the expected high of between 93-95 degrees!

My plan for the day? Coaching a baseball doubleheader! Yup! In the heat. We will be monitoring the boys carefully and are planning to bring home two wins! I am more excited about playing in the heat than I was about playing baseball in 30 degree temperatures. The ball should be flying today because our boys can really hit. 

And the good thing? After the game I can come home and fall into my pool to refresh from the heat and dust! Maybe that is the part that excites me most. 

BTW, the official first day of Summer is June 21st, but with Memorial Day next weekend and the heat continuing today and tomorrow before a respite it feels like my favorite month of the year: July!

Play Ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Was that number really 70?

 

Springtime Flowers Alongside the House
Elkridge, MD
May 10, 2022

Officially, at BWI airport the temperature yesterday never reached 70. But at my house it did! Yay!

I never believed that I would be excited about temperatures in the 70s, but I changed out of my jeans and put on shorts to celebrate the more moderate and seasonal temperatures. 

I was almost giddy with excitement as Chris and I took Finnegan for a walk. It was actually warm. The sun felt good, almost like Florida, on my exposed skin.

The warm afternoon temperature also encouraged the lilac bush alongside the house to burst into bloom and its sweet fragrance filled the afternoon air on my porch. The image actually shows the bleeding hearts, lily of the valley, and the lilac bush all in bloom--although, in different stages of blooming. 

Hopefully, the days ahead will be warmer and Spring can finally take hold.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Rain Came

Morning Weather Radar
May 7, 2022

It has rained for over 24 hours.

It will rain for about 24 more hours.

Everything is soaked and soggy. I am happy that Chris encouraged me to mow the lawn before the rain else it would be turning into a jungle. 

The rains beginning on Wednesday have washed out three scheduled Severn 14U Baseball games. They are going to be very hard to make-up. 

I was going to open the pool this weekend. Not now.

I wanted to play golf. Not now. 

Yesterday the small stream leading to the larger creek needed to be cleared of leaf dams so the water would not overflow into my yard. In my raincoat with the rain falling steadily, I cleared the leaf dams and lowered the bottom of the stream so that the rain water could flow unrestricted to its destination. It was a wet, but successful project. 

And with more rain on the way, I will likely clear another closet of accumulated treasures today and dream of a place where the sun shines and the temperatures are in the 80s. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cold--Really?

 

Two nights of  freeze warnings during late-April! The daily highs have been barely 60 degrees. 

This does not seem like late April! I usually am seriously thinking of opening my pool by this time of year, but now I am waiting for temperatures at least in the high 70s. 

Cold. 

Too cold! 

There is at least a forecast of 80 degrees for Wednesday next week--but then the highs are expected to be back into the 60s.

Not a good week to open the pool, yet. 

It has not been particularly good weather for baseball, either.

I'm hoping that warmer weather will soon appear and finally send the remnants of Winter into the distant past. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD